Advertisement
George North (file pic). Alamy Stock Photo

George North returns as Wales boss Gatland rings changes for England

North to make 50th Six Nations appearance as one of seven changes to XV.

GEORGE NORTH WAS recalled by Wales as Warren Gatland made wholesale alterations to his side for Saturday’s Six Nations match against England at Twickenham.

Veteran coach Gatland responded to Wales’ agonising 27-26 tournament-opening loss to Scotland in Cardiff by making seven changes to his starting XV in a matchday 23 announced Wednesday.

North, 31, returns from injury to replace Owen Watkin with the powerhouse centre lining up alongside Nick Tompkins in midfield. It will be his his 50th Six Nations appearance.

Meanwhile fly-half Sam Costelow, injured in the first half of last Saturday’s match at home to Scotland, is replaced by Ioan Lloyd, with Tomos Williams chosen instead of Gareth Davies at scrum-half.

Wales were 27-0 down against Scotland before so nearly snatching an astounding victory at the Principality Stadium.

They initially struggled up front, with Gatland selecting a new front row of Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee and Keiron Assiratti to face England.

Alex Mann has been handed a first Wales start after coming off the bench to score a try against England, with the flanker taking over from the injured James Botham.

England, who started the Championship with a narrow win away to Italy, are due to name their side on Thursday.

Wales (15-1): Cameron Winnett; Josh Adams, George North, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer; Ioan Lloyd, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Alex Mann; Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins (capt); Keiron Assiratti, Elliot Dee, Gareth Thomas.

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Corey Domachowski, Archie Griffin, Will Rowlands, Taine Basham, Kieran Hardy, Cai Evans, Mason Grady.

– © AFP 2024

Author
View comments
Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel